The smartwatch became an instant phenomenon with the launch of Apple Watch way back in 2015, it soon became the apple of the eye and reached the top position in the watch market. And then came Apple Watch series 2 in 2016 with GPS and complete water resistance to let you dive into the pool without any regret. 2017 saw the Apple Watch series 3 with onboard cellular connectivity. And now it is 2018, and with September approaching it is almost time for the next star in the show, Apple Watch Series 4. The market is already rife with speculations and design leaks are almost everywhere.
There has not been any significant design change in Apple’s smartwatch and that is one of the prime curiosity to see what Apple finally does, there are already sold intimation about design makeovers of Apple Watch 4 and yes, it does live up to the solid and suave design sense of Apple. The launch of Google smartwatch and Samsung Galaxy is also around the corner. The wait and expectations around smartwatches are getting high and hot. 2018 is going to be war of smartwatches and a tough game for all contenders.
So, what’s up with Apple Watch 4? How different and innovative the design and features will be this time?
Design
Apple’s smartwatch has paved the road for what a classy smartwatch should look like and it has inspired the make of many smartwatches since its inception. The time is ripe for a change and the rumor is change is in the air. The trusted source for Apple products, KGI securities predicts change, though it is not able to provide much specifics. The buzz is ‘a trendier form factor design’ is on the way for smartwatch.
In July this year, analyst Ming Chi-Kuo believes the Apple Watch 4 will have bigger displays than before, almost 15% more. He thinks the Watch 4 series will have 1.57inch and 1.78inch displays. Apple will in no way will forego the square shape of its smartwatch, neither it will go any bigger on the form factor. Samsung Galaxy Watch has opted for a round shaped design, something Apple is not ready to do for its smartwatch. There is a possibility of Apple Watch 4 being thinner on bezels and adding more screen space. The edge to edge look will definitely allow more space for messages and information.
The Apple Watch 4 will also have redesigned clickable buttons on the side and Apple will make it more solid-state to ensure more water resistivity.
There are also lot expectations around Apple Watch being slimmer. They always have had a round bulbous shaped design.
Specs
There was a Bloomberg report in March that indicated Apple’s venture into developing Micro LED displays. Such displays make battery usage more efficient and less hungry for the device. In a way, Apple Watch 4 could be using the same battery but its MicroLED display can make it less power hungry and optimize batter power. Current Apple watches need daily charging and seeing an efficient battery will be very welcoming.
There is also speculation around Apple Watch 4 having improved health sensors. They already have good heart rate tracking system but reports suggest Apple could embed blood glucose monitoring system within Watch 4 series. There could also be smart straps which could do all this in an Apple watch. According to Apple Insider report, Apple has obtained patents for ‘connected watch band accessories’ which possibly can measure heart rate, EKG and perhaps also UV radiation.
Siri all along?
Google partnered with Qualcomm to develop an always-on Google Assistant in its upcoming series of smartwatches. Apple has done the same with its latest MacBook Pros. So, will Apple Watch 4 have always-on Siri? Right now, you can summon Siri by pressing the side button in the watch or raising it up. But such feats require more high-tech processors and undoubtedly more battery power.
